UN Announces 2026 Training Drive on Crypto and Blockchain for Governments
UNDP Launches Government Blockchain Academy
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Exponential Science Foundation, has announced the creation of the Government Blockchain Academy. This global initiative will train governments in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve transparency, digital identity systems, and governance.
Official Launch at TOKEN2049 Singapore
The academy will officially launch at TOKEN2049 in Singapore on October 1–2, 2025. Industry leaders, infrastructure providers, and government representatives will participate in roundtable discussions to shape strategies for blockchain adoption.
Preparations—including curriculum design and stakeholder engagement—will begin in 2025. The first country-level training programs are scheduled to roll out in 2026.
Building on Previous UNDP Blockchain Training
This initiative expands on UNDP’s earlier collaboration with the Algorand Foundation in 2023, where over 22,000 UNDP employees received blockchain training to support sustainable development.
Goals: Transparency, Inclusion, and Resilience
According to Irena Cerovic, UNDP Innovation Team Leader, the academy aims to help governments move from experimentation to real-world implementation.
Paolo Tasca, Executive Chairman of Exponential Science, described the program as a collective framework to equip governments with the tools and talent required for digital transformation.
Training Programs and Support for Governments
The academy will offer:
- In-person workshops and online courses
- Leadership forums for policymakers
- End-to-end support for identifying local use cases
- Expert collaboration on blockchain and AI solutions
- Incubation support, advisory services, and resources
These efforts are expected to create scalable, high-impact blockchain solutions that align with national priorities while promoting digital inclusion.
Tackling Crypto Risks and Misuse
Alongside innovation, the UN continues to raise alarms about the misuse of cryptocurrencies.
- A 2024 UN report revealed that $18–37 billion was generated through scams on Telegram by organized crime groups in Southeast Asia.
- Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris highlighted the platform’s misuse.
- UN investigations found that North Korean cyberattacks stole $3 billion through crypto hacks.
Earlier, UN officials warned that terrorist groups are increasingly using crypto assets and digital payments, even as traditional methods like cash and hawala remain dominant.
A Step Toward Responsible Digital Transformation
UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja has urged the UN to explore how crypto, CBDCs, and stablecoins can support human development, expand financial inclusion, and ensure accountability.
The Government Blockchain Academy seeks to strike that balance—helping governments harness blockchain and AI for governance, finance, supply chains, climate action, and digital identity, while safeguarding against misuse.
Source: cryptonews.com
